Summary - Designed in 2017 and launched in 2018, the MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridjof Nansen are two new hybrid cruise vessels built by Hurtigreten, that can sail fully electric for up to 30 minutes. Not only will it significantly reduce emissions, the hybrid system is also extremely quit. Arctic exploration has never been so much fun!

Arctic Adventures Await!

Get ready to explore the most remote and spectacular areas of the planet – and take a sneak peek at some of the world’s first battery powered hybrid expedition cruise ships. Built by Hurtigreten and named after two Scandinavian heroes in Polar history, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, these hybrid powered expedition ships combine state of the art technology and never-before-seen luxury. The result: the next generation of sustainable adventure travel.

“With the great explorers deeply rooted in our history and heritage, Hurtigruten aims to be one step ahead when exploring the world. Our new ships will be moving boundaries for the technology, for the industry and for our guests”, says Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

State-of-the-art Scandinavian design

Hurtigreten is quite full of themselves on their websites, but they are rightfully so. A hybrid cruise vessel is a spectacular feat of engineering and the company prides themselves on sustainable arctic exploration. On top of that, the luxury finishing of the vessels is apparently a sight to behold as well.

According to Hurtigruten, they set a new standard with respect to interior design and on-board customer experience. The aura of the period of the great exploration expeditions is to be recreated within the framework of modernity, prime quality and comfort. The poetry they portray on their website comes across almost as marvelous as the insides of the vessels themselves:

“The interior will mirror the breath-taking waters and landscapes in which the expedition ships will sail. It will be premium quality and stylish, yet unpretentious. Materials will be predominantly Norwegian and be inspired by nature, and guests will relish the distinguished environment created by the innovative use of granite, oak and birch, and wool, amongst other materials. All of which will be characterized by an innovative Scandinavian approach to interior design. In addition, the ships will have large observation platforms on several decks for guests to get up-close to nature and wildlife. Six out of ten cabins will have their own balcony; two out of ten will be suites. The vessels will have three restaurants with menus reflecting local flavours and destinations. A special pool deck will include infinity pools, Jacuzzis and bars.”

Imagine the Vikings getting a load of this! Then again, there is certainly one thing the Vikings have in common with their successors at Hurtigreten: their new vessels can be completely silent when sailing.

Sustainable and soundless sailing

The exploration ships showcase hybrid technology that will make sailing with electric propulsion for 15-30 minutes a reality. Hurtigreten claims to extend this period “substantially longer for ships to come”. According to them however, the total reduction in fuel consumption and hence CO2-emissions, is the main gain. The technology, in combination with the construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board, will reduce emissions from the ships by 20 percent.

Being able to sail on solely electric propulsion is of great benefit for the environment – and also to Hurtigreten’s guests. It truly enhances the impact of experiencing nature. Imaging sailing completely silent along the ice edges in the Arctic or Antarctica, or along the banks of the Amazon. That is truly unique and exceptional.

According to Hurtigreten, 2019-2020 itineraries for “Roald Amundsen” will be announced in November, but the pandemic has probably taken its toll on the hard-hit cruise industry. I for one thing definitely hope to be able to experience one of these cruises in the not-to-distant future, as they are truly an engineering marvel to behold.

Launching MS Roald Amundsen

The MS Roald Amundsen was launched on Saturday, February 18, 2018. Th vessel touched water for the first time during a ceremony at the Kleven Yard in Ulsteinvik, Norway. The successful launch marked an important milestone for Hurtigreten, as the hybrid system serves as a stepping stone towards larger battery packs. Considering the incredible developments of batteries over the last few years, and the expected improvements to follow, one wonders how long it will take for these incredible beauties to become fully electric.

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